A recent review article published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) could be a heart-healthy addition to our diets
Despite substantial variability in the contents and nutritional profiles of these products, PBMAs generally reflect a dietary pattern that benefits cardiovascular health.
Replacing meats in our diets
PBMAs are highly processed plant-based foods designed to replace meat in the diet. In Canada, the rising popularity of PBMAs aligns with public health recommendations to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
This trend raises questions about the long-term health implications of these meat alternatives. Lead author Matthew Nagra, ND, from Vancouver, BC, emphasises the need for more research. “While the plant-based meat market has experienced significant growth in recent years and more and more Canadians are enjoying plant-based burgers, surprisingly little is known about how these meat alternatives may impact health and in particular cardiovascular disease risk,” says Dr. Nagra.
The review covers research published from 1970 to 2023, examining the contents, nutritional profiles, and cardiovascular impacts of PBMAs. Key findings from the analysis include:
- Nutritional Variability: PBMAs show substantial variability in their nutritional content.
- Heart-Healthy Profile: On average, PBMAs tend to be more heart-healthy than traditional meat, although some products’ high sodium content is concerning.
- Cholesterol Improvement: Several randomized controlled trials have shown that PBMAs can improve cholesterol levels.
- Blood Pressure: Despite high sodium content in some PBMAs, they have not been shown to raise blood pressure.
- Long-Term Research: There is a significant lack of long-term studies on PBMAs’ impact on heart attack and stroke risk.
- Component Healthfulness: There is little research on the healthfulness of common PBMA components like vital wheat gluten.
Research into PBMAs
Dr. Nagra and his colleagues were particularly surprised by the lack of research on vital wheat gluten, a primary protein source in many PBMAs, and its effects on cardiovascular risk.
In an accompanying editorial, Professor J. David Spence from Western University highlights the importance of focusing on the actual risk of cardiovascular events, not just individual dietary components. He argues that most physicians underestimate the cardiovascular benefits of a heart-healthy diet.
“For those looking to reduce their meat intake, especially if it’s red meat, replacing that with PBMAs is likely a heart-healthy choice,” says senior author Ehud Ur, MB, FRCPC, from the University of British Columbia. “For those who already limit their meat intake, PBMAs can be incorporated into a healthy dietary pattern as an excellent protein source; however, it may be beneficial to choose options that are lower in saturated fat and sodium if consuming them regularly.”
Dr. Spence also warned about egg consumption, recommending that those at risk of cardiovascular disease should limit meat intake and avoid egg yolk. He believes that PBMAs and egg substitutes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.
Incorporating these alternatives into a balanced diet appears to be a promising strategy for improving heart health.
